Anyone made a Kamm back extension around a hitch mount bike rack?

[dbisers]

Hi, Just came across this forum today and it has really got me thinking.

I'm a cyclist who uses his car primarily as an accessory for getting to bike races and mountain bike trails. I've been using a roof rack and of course noticed that it annihilates my mileage.

I've been driving a 98 Ford Escort sedan and may get a Ford Focus ZX-5 in the near future (a deal I cannot pass up).

I am seriously considering getting a hitch mount bike rack like this.

My questions is: has anyone built a kamm back style cover over one of these things and/or would it be worth it? If so any details as to design/construction would be very appreciated.

Another option of course would be to attempt to fabricate some kind of rack that would keep the bike(s) inside the car.

Thanks!

Dave

[cfg83]

dbisers -

Welcome to EM! People have thought of this strategy, but to my knowledge I've seen no working versions.

I think it's a great idea because (#1) it should be 100% reversible, and (#2) I *think* it could be done so as to make the rear hatch still usable, assuming the bike rack is also designed with that purpose in mind.

I've toyed with the idea of buying a trailer hitch as a mount for something like this, but I've never pulled the trigger.

CarloSW2

[bikin' Ed]

I'm sure the kamback could be done, but if you want an in car option..

Get a piece of wood (1x6 works well) almost as long as your car is wide--this will give you stability. Attach a fork mount to the wood. (you'll probably have enough room for two) The fork mount is only about $25-$30. Remove the front wheel and attach the bike(s). Depending on height, you may have to lower or remove your seat post.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by dbisers

Hi, Just came across this forum today and it has really got me thinking.

I'm a cyclist who uses his car primarily as an accessory for getting to bike races and mountain bike trails. I've been using a roof rack and of course noticed that it annihilates my mileage.

I've been driving a 98 Ford Escort sedan and may get a Ford Focus ZX-5 in the near future (a deal I cannot pass up).

I am seriously considering getting a hitch mount bike rack like this.

My questions is: has anyone built a kamm back style cover over one of these things and/or would it be worth it? If so any details as to design/construction would be very appreciated.

Another option of course would be to attempt to fabricate some kind of rack that would keep the bike(s) inside the car.

Thanks!

Dave

Dave,I kinda did it,but it was for a pickup.It could have been part of a receiver-hitch style setup,but it was just the unit with two inverted j-clamps which laid over the top of the gate,with a tension strap at the bottom to keep it snug.And it was inflatable,which isn't necessary.The T-100 got 30 mpg with it along with a half tonneau cover(about 5-mpg increase).Your sedan would probably benefit,more maybe,with some sort of decklid wing added.------ In September,Ill be experimenting with a boat tail trailer behind the truck.Something like this might be great for the bikes although certainly more ambitious.

[ChrstphrR]

I was thinking of a simular idea independantly of you, dbisers.

I was thinking of a boattail attaching from a hitch. A few issues block me from persuing this yet, like

1) Not having a hitch on my car (yet?). Hunting around, I can get one for around $200.
2) My idea of a boattail would obscure my rear lights, so I'd have to do some research into trailer / local statutes, and then, wiring diagrams, to splice in the harness to enable lights.
3) Moving in a few months, to return to school. I'd love to have this ready beforehand, but because of the previous two, and finances, I'll delay until I have access to my Dad's workshop (including fibreglass supplies - woo!) in said few months.

Be a pioneer, and show us what can be done with a bike-rack based setup, dbisers!

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by ChrstphrR

I was thinking of a simular idea independantly of you, dbisers.

I was thinking of a boattail attaching from a hitch. A few issues block me from persuing this yet, like

1) Not having a hitch on my car (yet?). Hunting around, I can get one for around $200.
2) My idea of a boattail would obscure my rear lights, so I'd have to do some research into trailer / local statutes, and then, wiring diagrams, to splice in the harness to enable lights.
3) Moving in a few months, to return to school. I'd love to have this ready beforehand, but because of the previous two, and finances, I'll delay until I have access to my Dad's workshop (including fibreglass supplies - woo!) in said few months.

Be a pioneer, and show us what can be done with a bike-rack based setup, dbisers!

The sides of the tail can be relieved to allow the vehicles taillights to be visible from the rear.Reflectors and reflective tape can be applied to the back of the tail for added visibility.Also,the license plate can be moved to the back of the tail.The top of the tail can also be relieved to allow the third brake light to be visible from behind.

[basjoos]

Just install a 4-wire trailer electrical jack along with your hitch and plug your boattail lighting into the jack.

[dbisers]

Thanks for all your replies; alot of excellent ideas. Turns out I'll be sticking with the escort sedan. I took the rack off and put my 1 bike inside for my drive alone to a race in bend, or. I'll have to do more research as to optimal fairing shapes to work with a rack for the car.

Anyone know off hand as to the legalities of rear license plate obstruction in Oregon? You can have a standard rear rack without fairing, would anything change with a fairing?